If you love the irresistible combination of crispy chicken with a luscious, tangy sauce, you are going to adore this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe. This dish brings that beloved takeout classic straight into your kitchen, featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces enveloped in a sticky, sweet orange glaze bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Using real orange juice, fragrant ginger, and a touch of garlic makes this homemade version vibrant and satisfying without relying on heavy frying. It’s perfect for any night you want a crowd-pleasing meal that’s fun to make and even better to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making your Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe shine. Each one plays a crucial role—from building that crispy crunch to delivering layers of bright, tangy flavor that dance on your tongue.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Use thighs for juicier bites or breasts for a leaner option, all cut into perfect 1-inch pieces.
- ½ cup cornstarch: This coats the chicken to give it an unbeatable crispy texture when cooked.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken, ensuring even crispiness.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying): The key to a golden, crispy finish—enough to fry but not overwhelm.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warm, aromatic notes that balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a punch of savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle hint of spice for those who like a little heat.
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed): This is the star ingredient, providing that fresh, zesty flavor.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the sauce just right to caramelize beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami richness and a savory edge.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce for that perfectly clingy coating.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Packs an extra punch of citrus aroma and flavor.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds freshness and a touch of crunch for the finishing touch.
How to Make Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy, flavorful bites. Dust each piece evenly with cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten eggs, creating a wonderful base that crisps up beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches so the oil stays hot and the pieces cook evenly. Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and delectably crispy. Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels while you prepare the mouthwatering sauce.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a clean pan, add a splash of oil and sauté the grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes just until fragrant—this takes about 30 seconds and unlocks a burst of aromatic flavors. Pour in the fresh orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, then bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce
Stir in your cornstarch slurry, and watch as the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky texture in just a few minutes. Finally, fold in the orange zest to layer in extra brightness and fragrance that makes this recipe so special.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Toss the crispy chicken pieces into the luscious orange sauce, ensuring every bite is generously coated with that vibrant glaze. This is the moment where all your prep shines into a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
How to Serve Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These simple additions bring a fresh crunch and a nutty undertone that elevate the dish’s overall appeal and make it look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce. For a lighter side, serve alongside stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. The contrasting textures and colors will brighten up your meal and keep it balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe over a bed of fragrant fried rice or even alongside noodle stir-fry for a unique twist. For a party, place the chicken on skewers as bite-sized appetizers or arrange it in lettuce wraps for a fresh and interactive dining experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain the best flavor and texture, then simply reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately or together in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the dish’s crispiness and fresh flavors as much as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat and cover briefly to warm evenly without sogginess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring intermittently to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs.
Is it necessary to deep-fry the chicken?
You don’t need to deep-fry. Pan-frying with a modest amount of oil creates that crispy texture, and for a lighter option, you can bake or air-fry the chicken pieces.
How can I adjust the sauce if I want it spicier?
Increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a splash of chili garlic sauce can raise the heat level to your liking without overpowering the orange sweetness.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and double-check your cornstarch is gluten-free to make the recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to get fresh orange juice if I don’t have oranges?
If fresh oranges aren’t available, high-quality, not-from-concentrate orange juice works in a pinch. Just avoid juices with added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is such a joy to make and a crowd favorite the moment it hits the table. With its perfect blend of crispy chicken and zesty, addictive sauce, it’s the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a go and savor each sweet, tangy bite that tastes like your favorite takeout—only better because you made it yourself!
Print
Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Chinese Orange Chicken is a beloved takeout dish featuring crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce made from real orange juice, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. This homemade version recreates the bold flavors and crunchy texture without deep-frying, making it a perfect meal served over rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying
Orange Sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch, then dip each piece into the beaten eggs ensuring full coverage.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a separate pan or the cleaned skillet, add a splash of oil and sauté grated ginger, minced garlic, and if using, red pepper flakes for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Add freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan with aromatics. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually, cooking the sauce while stirring continuously until it thickens, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the orange zest to enhance the fresh citrus flavor in the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the fried chicken pieces into the thickened orange sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the dish before serving immediately, ideally with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying to reduce oil usage.
- Always use fresh orange juice and zest for the best bright and natural citrus flavor.
- Adjust the sugar or rice vinegar quantities to tailor the sauce to your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess.
